Body of Evidence
- Subject: Clearing and relearning shift adapts
- Unit: 09G/TF60
- Vehicle Applications: Audi TT; Volkswagen Beetle, Jetta, Passat
- Essential Reading: Rebuilder, Diagnostician
- Author: Jeff Parlee
The 09G is an adaptive-learn transmission. The TCM can adapt the upshift and downshift pressures for each shift as well as initial engagement into drive and reverse. Whenever the transmission is rebuilt or the valve body is replaced the shift adapts should be cleared and the vehicle driven to relearn the new adapts.
Clearing the shift adapts
The preferred way is to use the factory scan tool or equivalent to return the shift adapts to basic settings. On some Volkswagens, like the Beetle, Jetta and Passat, you can clear the shift adapts by turning the ignition to off, waiting 30 seconds and then disconnecting the harness connector from the TCM.
Gaining access to the TCM on some vehicles can be a difficult and time-consuming task. Most times it is much easier to remove the fuses that power the TCM. Disconnecting the TCM or disconnecting the power to the TCM will immediately reset the shift adapts to basic setting. After removing and replacing the fuses as shown below, clear any codes that may have been stored.
Audi TT and VW Beetle
Locate the fuse panel (Figure 1) on the left side of the instrument panel, between the instrument panel and the driver’s door. Remove the fuse-panel cover to gain access to the fuse panel. With the ignition off, wait 30 seconds then remove fuses.
- 5-amp fuse #15
- 20-amp fuse #31.
Jetta
Locate the fuse panel (Figure 2) on the left side of the instrument panel, between the instrument panel and the driver’s door. Remove the fuse-panel cover to gain access to the fuse panel. With the ignition off, wait 30 seconds then remove fuses.
May 2005 thru June 2006:
- 5-amp fuse #14
- 20-amp fuse #39
From July 2006 on:
- 10-amp fuse #14
- 20-amp fuse #30
Passat
Turn the ignition off and wait 30 seconds. When working on a Passat, you will need to remove fuse SC24 from the fuse panel (Figure 3) at the left side of the instrument panel and then remove the appropriate fuse from the “SB” fuse box (figures 3, 4 and 5), on the left side of the engine compartment.
Learning the new shift adapts
Next, the vehicle must be brought to operating temperature and driven to relearn the shift adapts. Warning: The vehicle must be at operating temperature and there must be NO codes present for shifts adapts to be relearned. Drive the vehicle at about 20% throttle angle up through the gears. Once the transmission is in sixth gear release the throttle and allow at least 20 seconds to come to a complete stop; repeat this cycle 15-20 times. The car may require more driving to fine-tune the shift feel. VW warns that the shift quality may deteriorate before it gets better during the learning process. If a flared shift or bump on a downshift develops during the relearn, continue to drive the vehicle, as it usually will correct itself within a few miles.
If the transmission has a delay or a harsh forward or reverse engagement, hold your foot on the brake pedal; move the shifter to reverse and allow reverse to engage; wait 3 seconds then move back to neutral and wait 3 seconds. Repeat 10 times and the engagement feel should be about normal.
Remember, the TCM will not relearn the shift adapts when there are codes present or if the transmission is not at operating temperature.
Jeff Parlee is director of product support at Valve Body Xpress.
